Both Peloton and MYX offer at-home stationary bikes that are all about re-creating that cycling-class feel, thanks to their impressive HD touch screens and access to streamed trainer-led classes. While the two machines have a lot in common, they also have some key differences (price being one of the biggest).
We put our research pedal to the metal to help you decide between these two options. Let’s dive in!
![myx vs peloton](https://post.greatist.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/05/348127-Peloton_-MYX_-IDK-Heres-Our-Take.-1296x728-Header-93b1f3.jpg)
Dimensions | Touch screen | Resistance type | Classes and trainers | Adjustable handlebars? | Bike cost | Subscription cost | |
Peloton | 59 L x 23 W x 53 H in. | 21.5-in. HD, doesn’t swivel | magnetic | thousands of classes with world-class trainers | no | $1,895 | $39/month |
MYX | 54 L x 21 W x 47 H in. | 21.5-in. HD, swivels! | friction | hundreds of classes with pretty good trainers | yes | $1,299 | $29/month |
Tell me about Peloton, baby!
![peloton](https://post.greatist.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/05/348127-Peloton-Bike-Body.jpg)
The OG Peloton Bike has long been considered the gold standard for at-home cycling. So let’s take a closer look.
The basics: Everything to know about Peloton
The Peloton Bike is a pro-level stationary bike designed to give riders an elite, interactive riding experience. The 21.5-inch (in.) HD touch screen and built-in app give you access to thousands of branded live and prerecorded classes, all led by pro trainers whose No. 1 goal is to make you hustle. The music is pretty sweet too.
If you’re the kind of person who gets revved by competition, you’ll be happy on the Peloton. When you’re riding along in class, you can see how you stack up to others with the on-screen leaderboard (and maybe push it a little harder if you want to get ahead).
The bike itself has a heavy-duty flywheel and magnetic resistance for a supersmooth ride. While you can purchase toe cages for a more casual ride in sneakers, the Peloton’s pedals require actual cycling shoes that clip in (specifically, Delta-compatible cleats). One potential downside, depending on how you look at it (pun intended), the screen doesn’t swivel, meaning you can’t rotate it when you want to do off-bike workouts.
Lastly, let’s address the elephant in the room: A Peloton bike costs big bucks, and that’s not including the monthly class fee. On the plus side, you’re paying for quality — most reviewers say this bike is the creme de la creme. It all comes down to your budget. (Don’t forget: Many affordable, good-quality alternatives exist.)
The bike: A deep dive into features, design, and specs
Ready for the scoop on the features? Right on.
- Dimensions: 59 L x 23 W x 53 H in.
- Weight: 135 pounds (lbs.)
- Touch screen: 21.5-in. HD
- Resistance type: magnetic
- Rider capacity: 6 feet (ft.) 4 in. and 297 lbs.
- Handlebar height and depth adjustability?: no
- Cost: starts at $1,895, plus $39/month all-access Peloton app subscription
- Shipping: free; ships out within 2 weeks of order
- Returns: can return any time during the 30-day at-home trial period
- Warranty: 12-month limited warranty on screen and most original bike components; 5 years coverage on frame
- Assembly: COVID-friendly assembly format delivers assembled bike to your front door.
Peloton pros
- Magnetic resistance = supersmooth ride
- Access to thousands of live and recorded classes
- Super-motivating pro trainers and class leaderboard
- Great music in classes
- Free delivery and assembly
- 30-day returns
Peloton cons
- Hella expensive bike
- Expensive monthly subscription
- Non-swiveling screen
- Non-adjustable handlebars
- Cycling shoes required
Should I make a MYX mine?
![myx stationary bike](https://post.greatist.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/05/348127-MYX-Body.jpg)
The MYX bike is definitely a newcomer to the at-home cycling market. But what it lacks in legacy and prestige, it makes up for in other sweet features.
The basics: Everything to know about MYX
The MYX bike is positioned as a more affordable alternative to Peloton. (Reminder: It’s not the only one.) Both the bike and the monthly classes are significantly less expensive.
For the most part, those savings don’t mean a worse ride. The bike has a similar ergonomic feel to the Peloton. The main difference is the flywheel — it uses friction resistance instead of magnetic, which makes the ride feel a little less smooth. The pedals are also compatible with cycling shoes or regular sneakers.
As for the classes? Just like on the Peloton, you’ll access them on a 21.5-in. HD touch screen. MYX’s platform offers hundreds of streaming classes, including total-body workouts you can do off your bike. And since the screen swivels, it’s easy to follow along from anywhere in the room.
OK, but are the classes as awesome as Peloton’s? The consensus is… no. The trainers aren’t as hardcore, and the lack of a leaderboard means there’s less emphasis on competing with others. This means it’s a great option for beginners but maybe not for intermediate or advanced exercisers.
TL;DR: If you’re new to cycling and not ready to drop 3 months’ rent on a piece of equipment, this bike is for you!
The bike: A deep dive into features, design, and specs
OK, on to the numbers!
- Dimensions: 54 L x 21 W x 47 H in.
- Weight: 134 lbs.
- Touch screen: 21.5-in. HD
- Resistance type: friction
- Rider capacity: 6 ft. 8 in. and 350 lbs.
- Handlebar height and depth adjustability?: yes
- Cost: $1,299 plus $29/month for MYX app subscription
- Shipping: free; ships out within 1 to 3 weeks of order
- Returns: within 30 days
- Warranty: 1 year
- Assembly: Bike is delivered fully assembled.
MYX pros
- More affordable bike and monthly classes
- Adjustable handlebar height and depth
- Large, swiveling HD touch screen
- Access to hundreds of trainer-led classes, including non-bike classes
- Free delivery
- Arrives fully assembled
MYX cons
- Not as fancy as Peloton
- Slightly less smooth ride due to friction resistance
- Good-but-not-amazeballs trainers and classes
So… which one should I get?
Ultimately, this decision comes down to your budget and fitness goals.
Peloton provides a high end riding experience with access to top-of-the-line classes. People generally agree that it’s one of the best at-home stationary bikes, so it makes sense that it would come with the highest price tag. If you’re a hardcore rider looking to replicate the cycling studio experience at home, this is the bike for you.
If you’re a no-frills exerciser on the hunt for a solid workout experience, the MYX delivers. You’ll still get a great ride (with adjustable handlebars to boot!) and access to tons of classes. Plus, the swivel screen makes doing other workouts super convenient.
Also, price! With a cheaper bike and class subscription, the savings add up pretty quickly.
The bottom line? Unless you’re a cycling all-star (even just in your own mind), you’ll probably be pretty happy with the MYX — esp when you take a look at all the money left over in your bank account.
0 Commentaires